Roger Williams University

What you'll study

The programme blends foundation studio courses with specialised coursework in graphic communication, print technology and digital media. Early semesters focus on design principles, drawing, colour theory and typography. Core subjects typically include:

• Typography and Layout — principles of type, grid systems, editorial and promotional layout.
• Digital Imaging and Illustration — image creation and manipulation for print and screen.
• Print Production and Prepress — paper and substrate selection, production workflows, colour management and prepress processes.
• Packaging and Structural Design — dielines, material considerations and functional/visual packaging solutions.
• Web and Interactive Design — fundamentals of web design, responsive layout and basic UX principles.
• Motion and Time-based Media — introductory animation and motion graphics for branding and promotion.
• Professional Practices — project management, client communication, freelancing and legal/ethical issues in design.
• Capstone/Portfolio — a culminating project that demonstrates a candidate’s design process, technical skills and conceptual development.

Students gain practical experience through studio projects, print shop labs and industry-standard software. Opportunities for internships, collaborative projects with other departments (such as business or engineering) and study-abroad experiences are commonly available to broaden professional skills and perspectives.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification. Admissions typically consider academic record, a creative portfolio and a statement of purpose demonstrating interest in graphic communications. Transfer applicants are evaluated on college transcripts and relevant coursework.

• Portfolio: a selection of work that may include sketches, finished pieces, digital work and process documentation; quality and evidence of creative thinking are more important than quantity.
• Academic preparation: coursework in art, design, computer graphics or related subjects is helpful but not always required; evidence of quantitative and written skills is valued.
• English language: non-native speakers are expected to demonstrate proficiency through recognised test scores or equivalent institutional pathways.

Standardised test submission policies can vary; applicants should consult the university’s admissions office for current guidance and any portfolio review procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles across print, packaging, branding and digital media. Typical job titles include:

• Graphic Designer
• Prepress / Production Artist
• Packaging Designer
• Brand or Visual Designer
• Web/Interactive Designer or UX designer (entry-level)
• Studio Manager or Print Production Coordinator
• Freelance Designer or Creative Entrepreneur

Alumni often work for design studios, advertising agencies, publishers, packaging manufacturers, in-house corporate design teams or start their own design businesses. The programme’s combination of production knowledge and digital skills is particularly useful for roles that bridge creative concept and manufacturable deliverable.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University offers a learning environment with small studio classes, hands-on access to print and fabrication resources, and close faculty mentorship. The university’s location in the New England region provides proximity to a diverse network of design firms, publishers and manufacturing companies for internships and industry partnerships.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across allied programmes, career services that support portfolio development and job placement, and opportunities to exhibit work in campus galleries and regional shows. The emphasis on both traditional print craft and contemporary digital workflows prepares graduates for the practical demands of today’s visual communication roles.